We (myself, husband, son (11) & daughter (10)) are planning to spend Christmas skiing in Vermont. This is our 1st time in Vermont. Pls. advise which resort would be best for our family (Stowe, Killington, etc.). Also we need suggestions for accomodation (we don't want to go for our lungs). We are avg. skiers and also would like tubing available and sleigh rides. Thanks!!!!

Vermont is a very lovely place, but its not the best skiing around. Its cold and they don't call the snow "Vermont concrete" for nothing. If you're set on Vermont, Stowe would be your best choice for a family. If you would will be willing to consider another place to go, try Park City, Utah. Its a really nice family ski area with lots of great snow.

Geoff, thanks for the Utah suggestion. We have skied there in the past & wish we could go back this winter. However, we are trying to save a few $$$s this winter so we are trying to eliminate the airfare (we can drive to Vermont). Thanks again. Janice

Hi Janice,
Plentiful natural snow on the slopes is iffy around Christmas time, but the ski resorts do a great job making snow, especially by Christmas, as it's one of the busiest ski-weeks of the year. That said, I would stick to the larger resorts, as they tend to start making snow early and have the most terrain open by Christmas-Killington is probably your best bet, but Stowe should be well-off also. Smuggler's Notch is a well-known family resort, but don't know how much coverage they'll have at Christmas. Not familiar with accommodations because I grew up in VT and have no need to stay in any hotels while I'm up there (thanks to relatives!). If you havent checked out other online resources, you should do so: www.killington.com
www.stowe.com
www.gostowe.com
Stratton or Okemo would also be good Christmas destinations
www.stratton.com
www.okemo.com
Have fun!

Went to Smugglers about 3 Xmases ago, and it was a dust bowl!!! Basically, one trail for beginners was open due to snow-making; more for intermediate. Woodstock Resort would be lovely for Christmas (ambiance, dining, shopping, sleigh rides), but again, not much for skiing. The one-trail wonder (although a nice long one) of Suicide Six, or the intermediate trails of Ascutney. The Trapp Family Lodge of Stowe has the ambiance also, but only X-country.
We are planning the same thing for this X-mas, but are looking at places with better snow-making: Mt. Washington Hotel and skiing at Bretton Woods, NH or Sunday River skiing, staying at the Jordon Bowl, in Bethel, Maine. Maybe we'll see you there!
One more recommendation: Mt. Tremblant in Quebec. Excellent ambiance, skiing, exchange rate. (Check under the Canada board.) We just don't want to drive that far.

Stowe is wonderful, but Xmas might be too cold..... THere are great places to stay, like The Grey Fox or The Golden Eagle, where they have indoor pools and rooms with kitchens so you are not always forced to eat out.
If you want to go West, Park City is fantastic. Great snow, easy to get to, tons to do, and beautiful....

When I go up to northern new england (from Boston area) in the winter I always look to stay at a place that has an outdoor heated pool open in the winter. It is one of my favorite things to do in the winter - be in a swimming pool, not hot tub, outdoors with a deep blue winter sky in frigid temps. Once we were in the pool with mounds of ice and snow surrounding us, snow coming down. It was the best. That way if the skiing is not good or just don't want to ski I have the pool. If you want any suggestions of places to stay with oudoor pools I have a few suggestions although they are in NH and Maine, not Vermont. The ones I know of also have tubing(if enough snow) and sleigh rides.

As you are probably aware, ski conditions in Vermont can vary quite a bit from year to year, especially early in the season. That being said, Vermont and New Hampshire are absolutely beautiful at Christmas time, many places look just like a Christmas Card (I live in NH). I would avoid is Killington. Even though they are the biggest, it gets very crowded, and it lacks any New England charm. One place I've heard a lot of good things about is Jay Peak, a large area in northern Vermont that almost always has the most snowfall.

ttt

Thank you all for your feedback. Judy, I would appreciate your suggestion. NH is fine. Thanks again everyone.

Janice,here are a few suggestions. Nordic Village near Jackson NH are condos. They have great units, wood burning fireplaces, great outdoor hot tub and pool, a fantastic spacious and airy indoor pool, steam room and sauna.(www.nordicvillge.com)They also have a few other wonderful properties in the area. Check out each of their ammenities. Also in the Jackson/N.Conway area is the Grand Summit Hotel at Attitash Bear Peak. They have a great outdoor pool, etc. Go to www.attitash.com.You will see on their website they have a lot going on at the mountain like snow cat rides, etc. There is a samll mountain about 15 minutes outside of Jackson I think called Black Mountain that has tubing.In Maine I love The Bethel Inn. They have a large pool open all winter. They have various types of accomadations including some with meal plans - wondeful food. It is close to Sunday River ski area (never stayed there but was told their condos have pools also open in winter).Bethel Inn is in a very quiet, quaint town. Bethel Inn also has a fantastic network of cross country and snow shoeing trails on their property.They have a nordic center - can take lessons and sleigh rides. I think about 20 minutes away there is a small mountain with tubing.From what I saw Sunday River looks like a busy , congested ski area with lots of restaurants, bars ,etc.but you are right at the slopes. i do know Bethel Inn has a shuttle bus back and forth to the slopes. Good Luck. I am always on the lookout for great outdoor pools in the winter so if anyone has any other suggestions let us know.

For great skiing, value for $$, and a quaint little villiage with the feel of the swiss alps, try Whistler B.C. in Canada. The benchlands in Whistler are particularly nice. Chateau Whistler is beautiful, has all the amenities but very pricey. The Aspens are nice and right on the slopes but can be loud in the evenings and a bit pricey as well. Our favorite place to stay is the Marquise. It's a condo with pool, jacuzzi, fireplaces etc. All the units have kitchens and access to washer/dryers. Marquise is slopeside so a walk across the street and you can ski to the lifts. Great restaurants include Portabellos located in Chateau Whistler (just below the Marquise). The prices at the Marquise are much more reasonable and there's covered parking. Can't beat it.

Great suggestions!
Looking back at Stowe -
Do you ski at Mount Mansfield?
Any ski-out lodgings there?